Cricket Australia (CA) has banned former Sri Lankan cricketer Dulip Samaraweera for 20 years, following allegations of inappropriate behavior. The ban prevents Samaraweera from holding any role within Australia’s cricketing structure, including franchise leagues like the Big Bash League (BBL).
The incident occurred while Samaraweera was employed as a coach with Cricket Victoria. He was found guilty of maintaining a “coercive” relationship with a female player. Cricket Victoria, in response to the situation, expressed its deep concern for the safety of individuals within its team, aligning with CA’s code of conduct.
Nick Cummins, CEO of Cricket Victoria, condemned Samaraweera’s actions as “utterly reprehensible.” He applauded the courage of the victim who came forward and assured that the organization would provide continued support. Cummins reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to fostering a safe environment where individuals feel encouraged to report inappropriate behavior.
Cricket Australia’s investigation, conducted by its integrity department, found that Samaraweera violated section 2.23 of the code of conduct. While no criminal charges have been filed, Todd Greenberg, CEO of the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA), urged cricket leaders to take accountability and ensure such incidents do not recur.
The ban serves as a strong message from CA, emphasizing the importance of player safety. CA encouraged individuals to report inappropriate behavior through their integrity hotline. Cricket Australia reiterated that the welfare of players and staff is its top priority and committed to enforcing a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct.
As the story unfolds, Samaraweera has not yet issued a public statement, leaving many in the cricket community awaiting further developments.
Also, see:
Bangladesh name squad for Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, experienced all-rounder sacked
